Phone Link not working on Windows? Try these fixes

⚡ Fast fix

• Clear out the cobwebs. Restart Phone Link® and your smartphone to stop temporary glitches.
• Check your connections. Make sure you're using stable Wi-Fi and that Bluetooth is enabled on both devices.
• Do an update check. An outdated app, PC, or smartphone can cause interruptions.

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You love Phone Link. It lets you know when calls, notifications, and texts arrive, so you can set your smartphone aside while you're busy on the computer. But lately, alerts aren't displaying like they normally do, and the connection frequently drops.

Sounds like a problem for Asurion Experts. From fixing muffled phone speakers to resolving hotspot issues, we help you get the most out of your tech. Here's what to do if Phone Link for Windows™ is not working.

Why is Phone Link not working?

When Microsoft® Phone Link won't work, it's usually caused by one of these culprits:

• Connectivity problems: Laggy Wi-Fi can cause Phone Link delays and interruptions.
• Missing app permissions: If you haven't authorized Phone Link to transfer data, you won't see any notifications.
• Outdated apps and operating software (OS): Older versions of Phone Link may conflict with your OS.
• Compatibility issues: Phone Link works with most Android™ devices and iPhone®, but only if you have the right OS.
• Broken connection between phone and PC: Using a different Microsoft account on either device prevents a connection.

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How to fix Phone Link not working

Work through these troubleshooting options to resolve your glitchy Phone Link.

Check your Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections

Make sure that Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are enabled on both your devices. Check your Bluetooth connection to verify that you've paired your phone with your PC.

Check Phone Link permissions

Phone Link needs your authorization to transfer calls, texts, and other content from your smartphone. To grant permission on your Android device, follow these steps:

1. Open System Settings.
2. Tap Apps > Link to Windows > Notifications.
3. Turn on the permissions you want to allow.

If you're using an iPhone:

1. Open Phone Link > Settings.
2. Tap Features.
3. Enable the permissions you want to allow.

Update Phone Link and your devices

Verify that you have the latest updates for:

• Phone Link.
• Link to Windows.
• Windows OS.
• Android OS.
• Apple® iOS.

Only worry about updating software that your device uses.

Restart Phone Link and your devices

Try closing and reopening Phone Link on your PC and smartphone. If that doesn't work, restart both devices to resolve temporary glitches and syncing issues.

Unlink and reconnect your phone

This fix can resolve pairing issues if you think the connection is the problem. Start by removing your device from Phone Link:

1. Open Phone Link.
2. Click Settings > Devices. Select your phone.
3. Click Remove. When the dialog box appears, click Remove again.

Next, make sure your phone is completely removed from your PC.

• Open Windows Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Mobile Devices.
• Click Manage devices and select your phone.
• Click Remove.

Sign out of the Link to Windows app on your smartphone, too. If your device is paired to your PC's Bluetooth, remove it.

To reconnect your smartphone with Phone Link, take these steps:

1. Open Phone Link on your PC.
2. Click on your phone type.
3. Open Link to Windows on your iPhone or Android device and sign into your Microsoft account.
4. Tap Pair with QR code.
5. Scan the QR code with your phone and follow the connection prompts.

Reset Phone Link

As a last resort, you can completely reset Phone Link to erase old settings. Here's how to do that:

1. Navigate to https://accounts.microsoft.com/devices/android-ios. Log in to your Microsoft account.
2. View your connected devices and navigate to your phone. Click Show details > More actions > Unlink this phone.
3. Open the Start menu on your PC.
4. Click Settings > Phone > Unlink this PC.
5. Return to the Windows Settings menu and click Apps.
6. Choose Phone Link from the Apps & features menu.
7. Click Advanced Options > Reset.

You'll need to reconnect your device to start using Phone Link again.

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What to do when specific Phone Link features aren't working

If you experience one-off issues like the ones below, try these recommended fixes:

• Missed notifications and unsynced messages: Check your permissions settings.
• Calls not working: Verify you're logged into the same Microsoft account on both devices.
• No photos: Enable the Photo feature on Phone Link.
• Repeated Phone Link drops: Fix Wi-Fi connection issues by using the same network on both devices.

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FAQ

Why is Phone Link not connecting?

Authorization problems can cause Phone Link not to connect. Make sure to grant Phone Link permission to transfer the data you want to allow.

Why does Phone Link keep disconnecting?

Verify that Battery Saver is turned off on your PC. It can interfere with your connection and cause drops.

How do I reset Phone Link on Windows?

You can reset Phone Link in the Apps & features menu on your PC or laptop.

Why won't Phone Link open?

You may have outdated software. Check for available updates and try opening it again.